February is a strong month for small businesses to use email marketing to build relationships. There are lots of mini “hooks” besides Valentine’s day to engage your email list.
Awareness and Commemoration Themes
Febuary is a month set aside by several different organizations to raise awareness or commemorate their cause or group. Here are some:
- Black History Month
- American Heart Month
- National Cancer Prevention Month
- Low Vision Awareness Month
- National Bird Feeding Month
- National Snack Food Month
Depending on your audience, running content on one or more of these themes could add value to your readers.
Brighten Winter Days Campaigns
Run a Beat the Winter Blues campaign to uplift your audience. This type of campaign works expecially well for lifestyle and service businesses. Depending on your audience or type of business you could send:
- Self-care tips
- Tips for indoor projects or crafts to brighten the home
- Ideas for home improvements and upgrades
- Suggestions for online courses
Special Days and Events
There are many special days and events to commemorate in your February email marketing campaigns as well. Here are some to consider.
First Day of Black History Month-February 1st
Use this day (and the rest of the month, too) to recognize black businesses, community leaders, and athletes. Feature them in your newsletter and social media marketing. You could also research and publish a list of Black History Month events going on in your community.
Groundhog Day-February 2nd
A ritual-type holiday where “Phil” the groundhog predicts spring by either seeing his shadow or not. Since spring is around the corner, landscaping businesses and other outdoor businesses should start promoting from this day onward. Gift cards for lawn care are a great idea and gifts for seeds and other plants can start being promoted.
National Pizza Day – February 9th
Everyone loves pizza. If you are a restaurant that sells pizza, send out coupons, have family specials, or specials on toppings. Other types of promotions: hold pizza party for parents at your daycare center, or for your art classes.
Super Bowl Sunday-February 8th
Time to cheer on your team and make sure february email marketing promotions include mention of the Super Bowl and all types of gifts that are “team-related”. A big buying day for those that love football! It’s also a great time to sell party foods and snacks.
Don’t forget those who don’t enjoy football, though. Run a special during SuperBowl hours to attract them to your store, movie, or theater.
Lincoln’s Birthday-February 12th
This is a historical rather than national holiday. History buffs love this holiday, and gifts can include memorabilia or books on the birth of the USA.
Valentine’s Day-February 14th
Email marketing for this holiday is easy. You can promote gifts of flowers, chocolates, or even a nice dinner out. Even creative gifts such as a massage at a spa, or a “maid for a day” are great things to include in emails as a special promotion. So, too, are clothing or accessories in red colors or that have hearts on them.
How can you use Valentine’s Day awareness in email marketing if you’re a consultant or run some kind of business not normally associated with Valentine’s Day? It’s easy. Run a Share the Love campaign to encourage current clients or customers to refer you to their friend and associates. Offer free or discounted services for new customers and a credit or bonus to the customers who make a referral that brings you new business.
President’s Day/Washington’s Birthday February 16th
These two days are synonymous and are a National Holiday, so most government and other offices are closed. Because so many people are off from work on this day, it’s a good time for retailers and restaurateurs to run promotions. You can promote any type of product.
Mardi Gras – February 17th( 2026)
Mardi Gras, often called Fat Tuesday, technically falls on the day before Lent each year – And Easter and Lent come early this year. But you don’t have to wait until the day before Lent to feature Mardi Gras specials and events. Many places start Mardi Gras celebrations the weekend before. In fact, in New Orleans, parade events leading up to Mardi Gras start about a month before Fat Tuesday.
National Love Your Pet Day – February 20th
This is a good opportunity for promoting pet supplies, pet food and pet grooming. Another good idea: promote adopting pets from local shelters.
National Sticky Bun Day – February 21st
Nothing says comfort on a cold winter day like the smell and taste of a warm sticky bun. Promote them to your café or restaurant customers, promote recipes for them on your cooking blog, or promote stores in your town that sell these sweet treats.
National Margarita Day February 22nd
Say olé to your bar or restaurant patrons by offering them a discount on Margaritas today.
Engineer’s Week – February 22-28 (2026)
Engineering is at the cutting edge of innovation. Discover Engineering urges you to use this week to celebrate the accomplishments of engineers and encourage careers in engineering by talking about how engineers will shape our future.
Introduce a Girl to Engineering Day – February 26th
Engineering careers aren’t just for men. Help girls get interested in engineering and STEM careers by helping them discover how engineers change our world and by building their confidence that they could succeed in engineering and STEM careers.
